Coding Languages Are Standard, STEM Classes Are Not
Preparing to Take STEM Classes Abroad
I always knew I was interested in studying abroad after seeing my the wonderful experiences my sister and cousins had in various places around the world. When the anticipation of declaring a major began to loom during my sophomore year, I realized I had to start seriously considering how I was going to fit study abroad into my college experience. I met with my computer science adviser and together we made a projection of the classes that I would take for the next five semesters. Knowing early that it would be possible for me to meet the requirements and go abroad for a semester helped relieve a lot of the stress and planning needed in the coming year.Finding the Class For Me
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Adapting to A New Way of Learning
There were two major differences from the STEM classes at the University of Melbourne and those offered at Columbia. The first noticeable difference was that every class was recorded. This meant that for my linear algebra class the professor recorded all of the hand work he did during class under a projector. So, the emphasis put on attending the actual lecture was not as great. The second component was both my Database Systems and Linear Algebra class had mandatory two hour tutorials once a week.![](https://ifsa-butler.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Friesner2-169x300.jpg)
Major Take Away
Overall it was not difficult for me to take STEM classes abroad. With the help of my adviser at home and the help center at the University of Melbourne I found classes that worked with my schedule and that I enjoyed. While the classes themselves took up more![](https://ifsa-butler.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Friesner4-300x225.jpg)
General Tips for Taking Stem Classes Abroad
- Try to make friends in your tutorials
- Keep in mind that most of your grade is based on the final exam, which means you may have to adjust your way of studying or processing information
- Take advantage of the resources offered and time with your tutorial instructor to ask questions and get clarification on concepts
- Take a class you enjoy! Coding is universal so the skills you learn can be used anywhere you go in the world